Land 400 partners Rheinmetall Defence Australia and integrated systems developer Tectonica have produced an Australian-first technology designed to increase awareness and protection for troops in combat.
Tectonica has developed the Local Situational Awareness System (LSAS) called Altera for Rheinmetall’s Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) after two years of design, product development and integration.
The technology has been fitted to the CRV currently under evaluation by the Commonwealth as well as the Bundeswehr's autonomous Boxer techology demonstrator (JODAA).
Rheinmetall Defence Australia MD Gary Stewart said the LSAS capability demonstrated the opportunities created through the creation of a national military vehicle industry focused on export opportunities to defence programs worldwide.
“Tectonica is a proven leader in the Australian Defence industry that employs highly skilled engineers and manufacturing workers, invests significantly in research and development and exports its products globally.
“Tectonica’s partnership with Rheinmetall commenced with the joint funding of the LSAS project and today’s important milestone will enable defence forces using Rheinmetall military vehicles to better protect their soldiers.”
Tectonica Australia MD David Levy said LSAS brought together a number of critical vehicle functions into a single system by applying the principles of open architecture.
“Our partnership [with Rheinmetall provides] a platform whereby innovative local technology can be exported to defence force programs around the world.”
Altera uses visual and audio technologies to provide vehicle crews and operators with improved situational awareness by enabling them to hear and see their surrounding environment, while remaining protected under armour. Altera was trialled by Rheinmetall and demonstrated to the German Bundeswehr to assess the improvement to situational awareness it delivers.
Crews can record reconnaissance missions and conduct after action reviews. Instructors can supervise trainee crews and safety officers can monitor gunnery training from the comfort and safety of the passenger compartment. The imagery can also be made available to the Battle Management System.
Tectonica will manufacture the LSAS and Rheinmetall will offer it for export through its global supply chain.